
Rank’Em: Head coaches throughout the history of the Cowboys
A new era is upon us. On Jan. 27, Brian Schottenheimer was officially announced as the tenth head coach in Cowboys record books.
Which, of course, gives us the perfect opportunity to take a look back at all of the head coaches who have patrolled the sideline in Dallas.
From Tom Landry back in 1960 to the newest sheriff in town, here are the ten men – listed by career wins in the regular season and playoffs combined – who have held the title of head coach in the Dallas Cowboys’ 66-season history.
The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, have seen their fair share of head coaches. Some have cemented their legacies in football history, while others struggled to meet the high expectations that come with leading “America’s Team.” Here’s a ranking of all the head coaches in Cowboys history, based on success, impact, and longevity.
1. Tom Landry (1960-1988)
No discussion about the Cowboys’ coaching history is complete without Tom Landry. As the franchise’s first head coach, he built the Cowboys from an expansion team into a powerhouse. His innovative Flex Defense and offensive schemes helped Dallas win two Super Bowls (VI and XII) and make five appearances in the big game. Landry’s 250 career wins with the Cowboys and 20 consecutive winning seasons make him one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
2. Jimmy Johnson (1989-1993)
Though his tenure was short, Jimmy Johnson’s impact was immense. He orchestrated one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history, turning a 1-15 team in 1989 into back-to-back Super Bowl champions (XXVII and XXVIII). His eye for talent—trading Herschel Walker for a wealth of draft picks and selecting Hall of Famers like Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman—built the foundation for a dynasty. Johnson’s fallout with owner Jerry Jones cut his time short, but his legacy remains untouchable.
3. Barry Switzer (1994-1997)
Barry Switzer inherited Johnson’s dominant roster and kept the winning going, leading the Cowboys to a victory in Super Bowl XXX. Though his coaching style was less disciplined, he managed to keep Dallas competitive. However, the team’s decline post-1995 and locker room issues during his tenure prevent him from ranking higher.
4. Bill Parcells (2003-2006)
Although Bill Parcells didn’t bring a Super Bowl to Dallas, he revitalized a struggling franchise. The Cowboys had endured a rough stretch before his arrival, but Parcells’ leadership and emphasis on discipline helped lay the groundwork for the team’s future success. He played a crucial role in drafting Tony Romo and bringing stability to the franchise after years of mediocrity.
5. Jason Garrett (2010-2019)
Few coaches in Cowboys history have been as polarizing as Jason Garrett. As the longest-tenured coach since Landry, Garrett led Dallas to three NFC East titles and multiple playoff appearances. However, his inability to push the team beyond the divisional round, along with inconsistent seasons, ultimately led to his departure. His record (85-67) shows solid success, but it lacked championship pedigree.
6. Wade Phillips (2007-2010)
Wade Phillips took over from Parcells and led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record in his first season, but playoff struggles haunted him. He managed to get Dallas its first playoff win in over a decade in 2009, but the team’s collapse in 2010 led to his midseason firing. Phillips was a great defensive mind, but he struggled to maintain long-term success as head coach.
7. Mike McCarthy (2020-present)
Still in his tenure, Mike McCarthy has led the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances and division titles. However, postseason success remains elusive. His ranking could rise or fall depending on future results, but for now, he sits in the middle of the pack.
8. Chan Gailey (1998-1999)
Chan Gailey led Dallas to the playoffs in both of his seasons, but his conservative offense and struggles in big games led to his quick exit. While he wasn’t a disaster, he failed to leave a lasting impact on the franchise.
9. Dave Campo (2000-2002)
Dave Campo’s time in Dallas was rough, as he never posted a winning season. He went 5-11 in three consecutive years, struggling with an aging roster and poor quarterback play. While he was a loyal Cowboys assistant before becoming head coach, his tenure at the top was forgettable.
10. Mike Nolan (Interim, 2010)
Though he wasn’t a full-time head coach, Mike Nolan briefly took over after Wade Phillips was fired in 2010. His short stint saw some improvement, but it wasn’t enough to be considered a significant coaching tenure.
The Dallas Cowboys have had a mix of legendary, solid, and underwhelming head coaches throughout their history. While Landry and Johnson set the gold standard, others like Garrett and Phillips found moderate success without reaching the ultimate goal. With McCarthy still leading the team, time will tell whether he can elevate his standing among the franchise’s greats.